Disclaimer: Star Trek doesn't belong to me.

A/N: this is a villanelle.

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Arena: or

The Bridge Crew Watches TV:

If he can make gunpowder
he can win—he said, eyes glued to the screen,
As if, by speaking louder

The man would hear. Time ran down the hour
like a dream,
if he can make gunpowder

All may yet be saved—what's that? Strange-colored flour?
No—ingredients, a mineral-seam
as if, by speaking louder

He would suddenly have the power
to step through, or make time freeze.
If he can make gunpowder

There would be no need
to conspire.
If he can make gunpowder.
As if. By speaking louder.

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